AKP Phnom Penh, December 09, 2025 --

The Australian and German governments have issued separate statements extending concern over escalating tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, including reports of civilian and military casualties.

“We call on both sides to abide by the 28 July ceasefire agreement, exercise maximum restraint and take urgent steps to de-escalate the situation,” read a statement posted by the Australian Embassy in Cambodia on Dec. 9. “We ask both sides to implement their commitments under the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, facilitated by President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar as ASEAN Chair, rebuild trust and confidence, and pursue a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the border dispute.”

For his part, H.E. Frank Hartmann, Director-General for Asia-Pacific, German Federal Foreign Office, noted that any casualties and damage are deplorable and increase the risk of escalation. “I call upon both sides to immediately halt the conflict and work towards peaceful resolution, while prioritising civilian safety,” he stated. 

According to preliminary reports from provincial authorities, Thai military shelling in civilian areas from Dec. 8 to 9, 2025, as of 6:00 a.m., has killed seven Cambodian civilians and injured 20 others.

Thai military forces have continued their aggressive attacks on Cambodian forces and civilians in multiple locations across Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, and Pursat provinces, including firing into civilian villages located 28 kilometres from the border.

By C. Nika